Inside University College

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

Despite the fact that it's sunny and nearly sixty degrees today, it is certainly beginning to look a lot like Christmas here on campus at Sacred Heart University.  In fact, it's been this way for several weeks. Trees and wreaths are decorated and hanging all throughout campus (above you will see the lovely tree in the lobby down the hall from my office), and there have been a variety of wonderful different holiday-themed concerts and programs. 

This is a wonderful time of year, especially on a college campus such as this one.  And though our students have long since wrapped-up their final exams and the halls and classrooms are empty, we are here in our offices taking a look ahead and preparing for the next semester.

It's seems strange to even type the words "Spring 2012 Semester" (where does the time go?), but there's no denying that it is is right around the corner.  So if you are thinking of taking courses as a part-time student at Sacred Heart University next semester (either here in Fairfield, online, or in Stamford) don't hesitate to contact us.

But more importantly, let me take this time to say Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year on behalf of everyone at University College.  Enjoy the lovely weather while it lasts; more than anything else, enjoy the time you spend with family and friends while you eat good food and enjoy good company.

See you in 2012!

 

 

One of the many benefits of my job here at Sacred Heart University is that I get to interact with and meet students (and prospective students) from all different walks of life.  I have encountered students from all corners of the world and from different age groups.  Some have been to Sacred Heart University in the past and are now looking to complete a degree, while for others it's their very first time on campus.

Of all the students I have encountered along the way, I've been quite fortunate to meet with several veterans and to help get them started on their way to degree completion.  I meet with them in my office and point them in the right direction based on their academic needs.  It's an honor for me to help introduce them to Sacred Heart University and to all that this campus has to offer.

Given the large numbers of men and women who are currently in the service or who have recently left the service, and the hard-earned benefits available to them from the GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program, student/veterans are flocking to college campuses. This is exciting for colleges across the United States. 

I will often hear the phrase "life experience" used when discussing adults who are going to college to pursue a degree, and it goes without saying that veterans possess an incredibly unique and important form of life experience.  They bravely left their families and homes to defend our nation in a time of need.  Many of them have witnessed things first-hand that the rest of us have only read about or seen dramatized in film.

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day, and this morning I was reminded that today marks the 236th Birthday of the United States Navy.  So now is as good a time as any to say "thank you" to our veterans here on campus (and around the world, for that matter) for not just their service to our country, but for that unique life experience they bring to a college campus. 

 

 

TIME FOR ANOTHER INFORMATION SESSION in STAMFORD

That's right- it's just about halfway through the Fall 2011 semester at Sacred Heart University, and we here at University College are always looking ahead.  Our next Information Session will be held in the Stamford Campus, tomorrow evening, October 12th at 5:00 pm.

This is a great opportunity for adults who are considering a transfer to Sacred Heart University as a part-time student.  October is an interesting time of year for new students as there are several different options for them to choose from.  An adult student could start later this month by enrolling in one our accelerated seven-week courses, or they may even want to consider starting during one of our three winter intersessions which run in December/January.  Many students may simply choose to start fresh during the new year, 2012, which is right around the corner (well, two months or so).

Regardless of when a student may be thinking of starting, Information Sessions are a great way to take a look at the university, learn about different majors and cours  e selections, and get to know other students, faculty and staff.

For more information or to register for tomorrow night's Information Session at our Stamford campus, click on this link:

http://www.sacredheart.edu/pages/23121_information_sessions.cfm

 

THOUGHTS ON IRENE...

As I type this, I am sitting neither in my office on the main campus of Sacred Heart University, nor am I home.  Both of those locations- which have served as the place where I have typed dozens of blog entries since 2008 for SHU- are without power and internet access.  I'd like to complain, as I am frustrated beyond belief, but there millions all throughout the East Coast without power.  So what can I do?

Every year in August, we are told to be prepared for hurricane season, and how this one could be "the big one". And every year I shrug it off, thinking it's the media playing off of people's fear and paranoia.  And while Hurricane Irene didn't pack quite the punch that everyone had predicted, it was destructive enough to make things very inconvenient.  Some people were forced to evacuate the area, while others chose to stay behind to ride-out the storm (like the deer featured in the picture above). 

Today was to have been the start of the AHEAD 1 session for our part-time undergraduate adult students.  Two classes were to start tonight on our Stamford campus, as well as several online offerings.  All of those classes- and our ESL courses in Stamford- are canceled as all campuses are closed, and the SHU email/Blackboard server is down. 

No doubt, this is frustrating for students who were eager to begin their studies, but sometimes life (and Mother Nature) gets in the way.  That said, for those students who purchased their textbooks for those AHEAD 1 courses, why not open them and start to flip through the pages?  If nothing else, it will help you start to learn more about the courses and be prepared for an accelerated session.  If you're without power, however, you may want to this at some point this afternoon. Of course, you may have other things to do besides getting a head start on your studies...There are branches to be picked up, leaves to be raked, and lawn furniture to be put back outside.  But in the event you're looking for a bit of a distraction, take a look at one of your textbooks for RS 101/Intro to Study or Religion or whichever course(s) for which you may be registered.

While the campus may be "closed" at the present time, there is no doubt that much is happening on campus in terms of preparations for the start of the Fall 2011 semester.  In fact, as the storm was beginning to intensify on Saturday night and I was making my way home from a delicious dinner in Downtown Bridgeport, I was delighted to read a great article that was sent to my Blackberry via Twitter.  In keeping with the mission of the school and the whole idea of helping the neighbors and giving back to the community, Sacred Heart University made the decision to open their doors to house Freshman from a nearby university that had been evacuated.  These students- many of whom had just moved into their dormitories that morning and are away from home for the very first time- were bussed to campus and housed during the storm in SHU's spacious Pitt Center. To read an interesting article on this, refer to this link:

http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Freshmen-at-UB-sent-to-SHU-to-ride-out-Irene-2144263.php

So while Irene caused widespread damage all throughout the area (and beyond), it's always good to hear of people helping one another out during times of trouble.  As students wait patiently for the semester to begin (and- if you're like me- for your power to come back on), they can take solace in the fact that the storm has come and gone, the weather is bright and refreshing, and it's time to start the semester off on the right foot. 

 

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS...

Actually, many would argue that it started weeks ago.  No matter where you turn, everyone is in back to school mode.  And though there are still four more weekends left to enjoy before the start of the Fall 2011 semester at Sacred Heart University (and another three more weekends of summer after that), there's no denying that people are ready to sharpen their pencils and dust-off their bookbags.

Now I'm a summer person who very much enjoys a sun-kissed afternoon spent at the beach, followed by a wonderful barbecue; but there is a certain undeniable excitement that comes to a college campus in late-August and early-September.  Campus life goes from relatively quiet to bustling and exciting almost overnight.  The full-time undergraduate students move in to their dorms and apartments and proceed to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.  For the part-time adult students on campus (the population I get to meet with on a daily basis), it's also a time of excitement as they prepare to balance their career and family obligations with courses either here in Fairfield, at our Stamford campus, or online.

Inevitably, these other obligations prevent some adult students from being the first to line-up and register for fall courses.  They need not worry, though, as University College will be registering part-time students right up until the start of the semester and beyond.  Keep in mind the AHEAD 1 term starts the week of August 29th, and the Fall 2011 semester begins on September 6th.  That said, there are Monday classes which will not begin (thanks to Labor Day) until September 12th, and there's always AHEAD 2 which will begin in mid-October.  In other words, there's always something available for those who have been too busy to register or those who just always seem to procrastinate.

But why wait?  Call University College at (203) 371-7830 to speak with an advisor and find out about all of our exciting offerings.

And if you are in fact going back to school later this month or at some point in the fall, check out this article that I recently penned for my friends at La Tribuna...

http://www.tribunact.com/news/2011-07-27/News/Useful_pointers_to_help_you_get_ready_to_go_back_t.html

Good luck.

Enjoy the rest of the summer!

 

SUMMER @ SHU

The official start of summer has not yet arrived, but let's face it- it's summertime.  We've already experienced hot and humid weather in Fairfield County, as well the occasional thunder and lightning storm.  It is Summer 2011, and the summer is young, with plenty more to come.

The Summer I five-week session at Sacred Heart University started just two weeks ago, and a variety of courses are now in full-swing.  On the heels of Summer I comes Summer II, our second five-week session, which will begin on July 13th.  Summer II features more than fifty different undergraduate courses to choose from.  These diverse offerings include classes on campus here in Fairfield, as well a variety of online courses.  From Biology and Chemistry labs, to interesting online Psychology and Art courses, Summer II has a little something for everyone.

Summer classes at Sacred Heart University are great for not only SHU students, but also students who may be home for the summer and looking to get credits that will transfer to their university.  Some students (the fortunate ones) will spend their days at the beach in Fairfield (pictured above) or at a summer job or internship, and their evenings taking classes here at SHU.  All of this combines to make for an exciting and enlightening summer. 

To make matters even better, registering for Summer II is a simple process.  Refer to this link:

http://www.sacredheart.edu/pages/28491_summer_session.cfm

Or call (203) 371-7830 to speak with an advisor.

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS to the CLASS of 2011!!!

The image to the left (which I took just an hour ago) is a clear indication that commencement- an exciting annual tradition on college campuses nationwide- is upon us.  In fact, in less than 48 hours this event will have come and gone, and students at Sacred Heart University will have earned their degrees.

This is the third Sacred Heart University commencement in which I have participated as an employee (I participated in my own commencement ceremony at SHU as I earned my Bachelor's Degree in 2000).  And while there is no guaranteeing good weather, commencement ceremonies are always wonderful events.

This particular commencement ceremony- to be held here on campus this Sunday morning- is special for the simple reason that several part-time undergraduate students that I have recruited and/or advised over the last three years will be earning their degree and moving on.  For adult students who balance work, family, and school, this is a major accomplishment.  Many of them come to Sacred Heart University from other four year institutions or two-year colleges, and they fine-tune and put the finishing touches on a hard-earned degree with us. There are also many to whom SHU is the only college that they have attended.  Going part-time, it has taken them longer than full-time students, so this accomplishment is even that much more significant and special.

To them- and to all of those hard-working students who are part of the Class of 2011- I send my congratulations and best wishes. Earning a college degree is a major accomplishment under any circumstances, and they should be proud of this wonderful achievement. 

 

A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE...

 

For nearly three years, I've blogged often about how all of us at Sacred Heart University (and higher education in general) must always be looking ahead to the coming months, seasons and years.  And while most of us are still waiting for warm and sunny spring temperatures to arrive, just last Friday registration opened for the Fall 2011 semester.

It's early April, and right now it's difficult to think about the fall, but seasons do change, and it's important to plan ahead.  For those hard-working adults who are thinking about going back to school part-time to pursue a Bachelor's degree, now is the time make arrangements.  With three summer sessions offered, and the aforementioned green light on the Fall 2011 semester registrations, why not use April to map-out a plan of study that could take you through the end of 2011?

Life on campus here at Sacred Heart University is exciting and vibrant, and there is much to look forward to.  Of particular interest is the construction on the Student Commons Building, a 46,000 square foot structure scheduled to be completed later this year.  Pictured above (I snapped this picture just minutes ago...I apologize for the gloomy weather, but it is April in Connecticut), this building will be a wonderful addition to this ever-changing campus.  

Of course, the Fall 2010 semester and the completion of the awe-inspiring Student Commons Building is still months away, and we all want to enjoy a sunny, pleasant and relaxing summer.  Still, it's nice to know that there are many wonderful things to look forward to all throughout 2011.

SACRED HEART ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE

  


I've always been quite fond of the old adage that says "variety is the spice of life," and that rings very true when one talks about the English as a Second Language program here at Sacred Heart University.  Referred to some as SHELI (the Sacred Heart English Language Institute), this program offers English language courses across a variety of different levels at both the Fairfield and Stamford campuses of Sacred Heart University.

Fairfield County is an area ripe with people of diverse cultures and nationalities.  And on any given day in my office, I will often meet with students who have come to Sacred Heart University by way of Europe, Africa, Asia, Haiti, and Central and South America.  Many of these students first became acquainted with SHU via SHELI.  They had positive experiences on campus as they honed and refined their English skills, and now they wish to continue studying at SHU as they pursue a degree.

There are currently students from sixteen different countries enrolled in SHELI courses, and many more at University College.  In fact, refer to the picture above which is a large map that hangs in the lobby of the University College offices here in Fairfield.  If you look closely, you will see pins marking all of the countries represented by students who pass through our corridor.  In the few short months that this map has been hanging on our wall, I have seen the number of pins increase; this is very exciting. 

Our diverse group of international students bring a refreshing and unique perspective to the campus.  In fact, just a couple of hours ago, in the midst of a snowfall (on the first full day of spring, mind you), the SHELI students in Stamford stood outside in the parking lot on break between classes, admiring and enjoying the wintery conditions.  I'm sure I speak for many in Connecticut when I say that I am a little tired of snow after this winter, but for these students (some of whom are from the Middle East), a snowfall is thrilling.  These are I suppose the random pleasures of being a stranger in a strange land. In no time, however, they are strangers no more to our campus and this strange land becomes a home away from home for them. 

To learn more about the Sacred Heart English Language Institute, refer to this link:

http://www.sacredheart.edu/pages/38_english_as_a_second_language_esl_.cfm

...or contact Ms. Madeline Monaghan, Director of Sheli, at 203-365-7528 or monaghanm@sacredheart.edu

AHEAD 4: THE CURE FOR SPRING FEVER

 

Let’s face it- the temperature is rising ever so slightly (it may hit 40 degrees today!) and even though it’s still February, spring is coming quickly.  In no time, Spring Fever will spread across the Sacred Heart University campus like a plague (a healthy plague, of course!).  With that in mind, why not take a look AHEAD and register for seven-week accelerated courses starting in mid-March?

These courses- exclusive to part-time University College students- are great options for those looking to obtain more credits between now and the end of the Spring 2011 semester.  Think of it also as a productive way to pass the first half of the spring.  By the time the seven weeks are over, it'll just about be time to dust off the flip-flops and take the tarp off of the pool. 

Why not consider one of the following courses?

BI 030 4A- THE HUMAN BODY          Fairfield          Monday 5:30-10:00    3/14-5/9

HI 223 4A- US HISTORY to 1865        Fairfield          Tues, Thurs 7:45-10:10 3/15-5/10

MA 131 4A- STASTICS FOR DECISION MAKING       Fairfield Tues, Thurs 5:10-7:35 3/15-            5/10

PH 299 4A- HISTORICAL SURVEY OF PHIL. II            Fairfield          Tues, Thurs 7:45-10:10 3/15-5/10

RS 243 OL- EARLY CHRISTIAN THOUGHT      Online             3/14-5/10

SO 110 4A- SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION Fairfield          Wednesday 5:30-10:00 3/16-5/11

SO 110 UO- SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION             Online             3/14-5/10

More information regarding these as well as a variety of other AHEAD 4 offerings can be found on WebAdvisor.  Or simply contact University College at (203) 371-7830.